7' or 8'-6" wide trailer????

[STEVE TWEET]

Officially in the market to get away from the open sled bed, and am curious to which width trailer to get and if it should be a deck over or not. Would it be better to go narrower and longer, or wider and I little shorter? I have no issue of getting either one just thinking maybe the wider one if I want to put a heater in it and work on things if need be. also, while on the subject what length to maybe in a 5th sled in either trailer? (all being 154" tracks). Any thoughts or comments about you have would be appreciated. Heading to Togwotee on the 28th and hope to have my mind set and one bought by then!!!

 

[Fearless Catman]

I have been in your shoes before and actually bought a deck over 8 wide and long(33 ft)(6 sleds), 7 wide and long(29 ft)(4 sleds- can get 5 in if you can get sleds to sit side by side opposite of each other with 5th in V) and currently a 2nd 8 wide sport/auto(wider axles that sits between the center of side walls. My previous was 26 ft(4/5 sleds) and my current is 28'(4/5 sleds) My opinion is each one has their benefits along with cons. Nothing wrong with each. The deck over had the most cons and the one I would stay away from if possible. The 7 wide is a great trailer but you actually need to go longer to just fit a certain number of sleds you need. My issue is wasted space in a stagger fashion along with limited usable trailer hauling capabilities due to narrow interior width. Great for a half tonner tow rig to pull in front. The sport model I now have is about as ideal a trailer you can get for its wider range of hauling capabilites. You can haul a car, small suv, jeep, utv, etc. I recommend this type of trailer as it offers the most pros for its hauling capabilities and space. If you're looking to have a snug fit for 5 sleds with 4 most of the time, I recommend a 26 ft which I used to have. I upgraded because of trailer age and 28' was all the dealer had at the time so I went with it and love it which has a tad more room than the 26 ft. Believe it or not, I am yet again trailer shopping. This time I am stepping up to the gooseneck version for an even more range of use I am looking to achieve. Good luck with your decision.

 

[christopher]

Officially in the market to get away from the open sled bed, and am curious to which width trailer to get and if it should be a deck over or not. Would it be better to go narrower and longer, or wider and I little shorter? I have no issue of getting either one just thinking maybe the wider one if I want to put a heater in it and work on things if need be. also, while on the subject what length to maybe in a 5th sled in either trailer? (all being 154" tracks). Any thoughts or comments about you have would be appreciated. Heading to Togwotee on the 28th and hope to have my mind set and one bought by then!!!

WIDER IS BETTER!
If given the choice, get the 8'-6" Trailer
The extra width comes in MIGHTY HANDY!

 

[togwotee9]

I've been told girth is better than length, luck for me I have both, 8.6 x 30

 

[jdw1]

I have a 20+6 x 8.5 Featherlite Rocky Mt Ed, one thing to keep in mind is what else might you do with this trailer! The other thing I keep in mind when buying equipment, resale, is someone going to want this when I'm done with it? Yes it has to fit your needs but what else could a person do with what I'm buying. If you get to specific your future buyer marker gets narrow.

JMO

 

[togwotee9]

I have a 20+6 x 8.5 Featherlite Rocky Mt Ed, one thing to keep in mind is what else might you do with this trailer! The other thing I keep in mind when buying equipment, resale, is someone going to want this when I'm done with it? Yes it has to fit your needs but what else could a person do with what I'm buying. If you get to specific your future buyer marker gets narrow.

JMO

I always buy for myself not resell.

“We're so busy watching out for what's just ahead of us that we don't take time to enjoy where we are.”
― Bill Watterson

 

[STEVE TWEET]

what are you guys thoughts on American Hauler trailers? good quality or not?

 

[catrider800]

I've looked at American Hauler trailers and they seem just as good as most out there. I think 90% of trailers come out of the same plant in Indiana with just a different sticker on it anyway. How long of a pull do you have to make. I run a 7' x 27' inline from MN to West once or twice a year. For long pulls at freeway speeds I like the inline as it pulls great and is not as much of a drag in the wind. It's not the best if you're going to use it as a shop or sleep in it as they get pretty tight inside. A 29' would be the way to go for 5 sleds. If I didn't drive so far I would probably look more closely at a 8.5' wide as they are more versatle as stated above. Either one is good, I would stay away from a deck over as they don't pull nearly as well unless you really need the ground clearance.

 

[STEVE TWEET]

I have a pretty good deal on a 7'x29' American hauler that I am being persuaded into I think as of now and if there is no one complaining about them I think that is what im going to do.

P.S I am from eastern south Dakota (Sioux falls area) and usually make it to the big horns a time or two and to togwotee a couple times as well a year so I think the inline is the way to go with those distances.

 

[millerwd]

Deckover cons.

I have been in your shoes before and actually bought a deck over 8 wide and long(33 ft)(6 sleds), 7 wide and long(29 ft)(4 sleds- can get 5 in if you can get sleds to sit side by side opposite of each other with 5th in V) and currently a 2nd 8 wide sport/auto(wider axles that sits between the center of side walls. My previous was 26 ft(4/5 sleds) and my current is 28'(4/5 sleds) My opinion is each one has their benefits along with cons. Nothing wrong with each. The deck over had the most cons and the one I would stay away from if possible. The 7 wide is a great trailer but you actually need to go longer to just fit a certain number of sleds you need. My issue is wasted space in a stagger fashion along with limited usable trailer hauling capabilities due to narrow interior width. Great for a half tonner tow rig to pull in front. The sport model I now have is about as ideal a trailer you can get for its wider range of hauling capabilites. You can haul a car, small suv, jeep, utv, etc. I recommend this type of trailer as it offers the most pros for its hauling capabilities and space. If you're looking to have a snug fit for 5 sleds with 4 most of the time, I recommend a 26 ft which I used to have. I upgraded because of trailer age and 28' was all the dealer had at the time so I went with it and love it which has a tad more room than the 26 ft. Believe it or not, I am yet again trailer shopping. This time I am stepping up to the gooseneck version for an even more range of use I am looking to achieve. Good luck with your decision.

Other than the width and height what other cons does a deckover have?
I am also in the market for an enclosed trailer. First requirement is it's insulated and paneled .

 

[Fearless Catman]

Other than the width and height what other cons does a deckover have?
I am also in the market for an enclosed trailer. First requirement is it's insulated and paneled .

Does not pull as nice. You will know its really there on windy days. Also its higher up due to sitting over the axles. The sleds has to travel up higher, you climb up higher to get into trailer. Not that its a bad thing but when comparing to the others out there in different configurations especially in lower platforms, this obviousily would rank as the least desirable trailer. But if you live on the hill and only travel a few miles then my points are pointless. However, if you are from the eastern part of flatlands states making the long drive to the mountains and back, then this does mean something over the long haul. Yet, why settle for a deckover that only would haul the toys when you can get a sport/auto that sits lower and would carry cars too? Best of both worlds.

 

[Bacon]

What is your budget? I had a 7x29. It was ok, but I didn't like the lack of room and the stagger load. I have a 38' gooseneck now. If you have the truck to pull it, that is a sweet setup. No worries on space and pulls straight and true. Like said, stay away from deck overs if possible. The bumper pull car haulers are ok. Just get those sleds in an enclosed. I always cringe when I see $40,000 worth of sleds being pulled by a $50,000 truck and an open trailer. One trip through the salt bath and those sleds will look like crap and there value is lowered. Any enclosed is better than an open trailer.

 

[NDFARMER95]

I'm still in your same predicament. At this point in the game, I'm leaning to a 7.5x29 R&R with triples. I want a 8.5x30 but I'm just worried about the wind resistance. A buddy of mine has a 7x29 American Hauler. It's a pretty decent trailer. Maybe I'll cave and get one of those. Who knows.

 

[STEVE TWEET]

I'm still in your same predicament. At this point in the game, I'm leaning to a 7.5x29 R&R with triples. I want a 8.5x30 but I'm just worried about the wind resistance. A buddy of mine has a 7x29 American Hauler. It's a pretty decent trailer. Maybe I'll cave and get one of those. Who knows.

can your buddy get 5 long tracks (154's) in his 7x29???

 

[Fearless Catman]

can your buddy get 5 long tracks (154's) in his 7x29???

Yes you can, but you have to break out some sweat to do that. To do that, load from back to front. First, you need to drive one in to the back. Back the other one in next to it. Do the same with the next row. Put the 5th in the V with the tunnel towards the front and skis towards the back.

 

[eyefish123]

I'm running a 7x18 Aluma with a 5' V and I can easily get 3 long tracks in it. For me, the thing I like the best is being able to see around the trailer with the mirrors. It pulls really nice but I am sure a 8.5' would pull nice too, just like knowing what is going on behind me.

 

[kerk43]

Running 7x18plus 5ft v. Easily fits 3 long tracks and with a little planning can get 4 in. Pulling with f150 Eco. Pros can easily see around,less wind resistance,head room without added height of deck over. Cons staggered loading, ability to haul wider stuff.

 

[boatingbent]

I thought the American Hauler had a steel frame ?????

I just sold my 99 Pace American 3 Axle Sled Trailer (Deck over) had steel frame .....It was a 29 feet ...It was great for loading sleds ...But man did it like drinking Fuel ......I used my buddys 7X29 Triton all aluminum and I believe I am getting just over 2 more MPG on a trip out west V/S my old Pace American .....
With all that said I am picking up my new 7 1/2 X 31 Stealth Predator on Monday and headed to crooked creek this coming Saturday ....

The narrower the Trailer the V is much more Point which breaks the wind better and makes for better MPG

 

[Mafesto]

I thought the American Hauler had a steel frame ?????

They make alum & steel.
Not bad trailers for being quite inexpensive.
However, I am still a disciple of "you get what you pay for & you pay for what you get.

 

[togwotee9]

I have a 8.5x30 Legend that I pull with a 2013 F-350 diesel. I also pull my buddy's 8.5x24 on occasion and I can't tell a difference. We run 550 miles each way to the mountains.